http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:ghbatt&section=today deviantART RSS for by:ghbatt en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:15:23 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/16113406/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/16113406/ Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:59:42 PST
Well, it's been nearly 3 months, and I think I should write a journal entry. I have been so busy with school, work, and life in general that I haven't hardly had a chance to write anything, or even sign in to check out much. I have been around periodically, and done some reading, but if there are any pieces you guys would like me to read (or you think I'd like to read) simply link me up.

I passed all my courses, which means I am only 2 and a half years away from being a pharmacist. That's kinda scary if you look at it, to be so close to being a real "health care professional". I am enjoying the challenge of school, and working with my dad at the pharmacy is great. It's amazing how much your parents can teach you both about life, as well as your career.

I did manage to craft a poem around that phrase "Pharmacologically Yours" I coined in September. It's not great, but I kinda like the feel of it. Look for my work to be taking a major boost in the coming time, as there are a lot of changes happening around me, which as you writers know, is a good sign for someone who is poetically stagnant.

Take care,
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14827631/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14827631/ Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:39:09 PDT
Well I am still around, whatever it is worth. I am not niave enough to think that my not being online has affected any of you in any serious way, and if it has, really thats sad. I'm not that amazing in person, let alone though a keyboard! But I digress.

I have had an amazingly busy month; packing to come back to St Johns, school work, my life, everything has been rushed. I am going to try to make an effort to spend some more time online, improving my craft, and reading all the work I can. I have over 500 pieces in my inbox now, so if you are reading this, why not post me a link to a couple pieces you have written since I last was online for me to read. You know you want to make my life a bit easier, right?

Take care
-gh

p.s. doesn't the journal subject sound like the title to an epistle I would write?

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14247525/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14247525/ Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:11:26 PDT
I hope you've been well. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet (or been buried under it). I have been enjoying the past few days, relaxing when not at work, and really enjoying my last few days at home. I am going back to the city on the 28th, and school starts again on the 4th. It seems like the summer has flown by.

I wrote a new piece, its called "To Dear". It is an almost romantic piece, but I promise it is not at all cheesy. This piece captures some thoughts I have had for a while on the subject of romance; but I wasn't sure I would ever get them into a poem. It's not a great piece, but I suppose it is decent.

I have to work in the morning, so I suppose I should sign off.

Take Care,
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14186746/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14186746/ Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:39:29 PDT
Despite the many comments on my last journal, today is actually my birthday. Thanks for your wishes of a "happy birthday", they have been very kind.

I have to be honest, I am a bit drunk . I somehow ended up at a party tonight, and I kinda drank too much, and I have to work tomorrow (note how poor my writing becomes when I drink). So I should keep this short.

I am 20, it is really weird to write my age with a two in front. I really hit one first. No more teen angst, no more being lazy (with an excuse), and no more being a child. Its amazing what difference a number can make.

Take care,
=gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14171883/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14171883/ Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:39:43 PDT
Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living.
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven.
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

Sally, take my hand
We'll travel south cross land
Put out the fire
And don't look past my shoulder.
The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let's get together
Before we get much older.

Teenage wasteland
It's only teenage wasteland.
Teenage wasteland
Oh, yeah
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted!

Hey valued Friends

Seems fitting, eh? A song about teenagehood written by a man now in his sixties (and still rocking I may add). It is a weird feeling, at each birthday I have been looking forward to getting older, but now? I know I am young, but I am ageing. Not being immortal really is becoming a reality, which is depressing. Not depressing in the angsty sense, but the "wow, life is real" sense. I just hope my youthful good looks make it a bit further before they are completely overridden.

I want to thank Judd ~giran23) for buying me a subscription! It was a great gesture, and I will definitely pay you back Judd. (And since it is in my journal, you have a great piece of evidence to force me to pay it back!)

I should go to bed I guess, work in the early AM.

Take Care
=gh ]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14156740/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14156740/ Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:42:23 PDT
Well, I have been busy! A new poem, a devID and a new project (more on that in second) in a matter of 24 hours. Thanks for all the great comments on "Road in Retrospect"; they have made me pretty happy!

About my devID, I cannot seem to use it. My "Edit Profile" page isnt working (i.e. loading) is anyone else experiencing this? I hope it gets fixed, I want to try out my ID! (Edit: wow, it fixed itself! Nifty!)

My project is, as you may have guessed, an online radio station. Its a bit crude, but it works pretty well. I simply made a realplayer file (.ram) and posted it on a website. You can open it by using a direct link to the file, and then opening it with realplayer. Right now I have a 24 minute show which is entirely music (If you want to listen to it click here; but I am going to work on trying to add some more things to it, maybe some interviews, and social commentary. Actually, I was thinking about doing some recitations of my poems on there too. Any other ideas, or contributions (in terms of mp3's) would be great!

Take care
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14140030/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14140030/ Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:19:35 PDT
Before I say anything I wanted to thank =littlemissangel for taking over as head of *poeticrevolution. I am going to do what I can to help, but I do feel a lot better knowing that someone else will be taking charge. And make no doubt, when I have free time to spend, I will contribute. I am a rebel rouser after all. hahaha

I have had a couple great days. I have not touched a book to study, I slept in, and I stayed up late. I haven't really been on devART much other then to check my inbox for new deviations to read.

Friday night I watched a couple movies, and some episodes of one of my new favourite TV shows "the Mighty Boosh". I dont know if anyone would know it, but I really think its amazingly funny, and I would download an episode if I were you. There is a good torrent out there for it.

Last night Sara came up and we watched "Freedom Writers", which was okay for the type of movie it was. Then we watched Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist who has the character Peanut. It was hilarious! Then of course, some more Boosh.

I bought a new mouse for my laptop; a nice Logitech cordless model. I also purchased 100 blank DVDs for $25; which seemed like a pretty good deal to me, especially since my "virgin" laptop already has 20 gigs of space taken up with music and movies...and I would love to have enough room for another text file in a few months time.

I wrote a new poem too! It really came out a lot better than I thought it would. I am really surprised with the progress I have made with my writing. I have wrote more poems (3 completed) in the past 2 weeks than in the previous 2 years. I also can actually say I like these new pieces, which I can't say about most of my old works. I was thinking about posting some of them on this account as scraps though, just so you can really appreciate how far I have come.

Take Care
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14097720/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14097720/ Thu, 09 Aug 2007 22:23:48 PDT
Im sad to say, the group ~poeticrevolution will not become a reality with me at the lead. I really would love to be able to devote time to it, but after thinking about it, and looking at some comments, I have come to the logical conclusion that between school, my life, and my own poetic exploits I will have no time to take on such a large project and maintain my sanity. I must admit, I feel pretty pathetic about this early failing, but it seems like I have no choice.

I want to thank everyone who encouraged the group. I think it is a good idea, and if anyone wants to take it up just note me and I will send you the password. I would love to see someone start it up, and I would be happy to play some role in it. I want to apologize if anyone is disappointed in the result, but realistically I see no alternative.

The phrase "Poetic Revolution" still does seem clear to me though. We really must work to improve the poetry community on devART; and while a group would help, I am going to approach it in a more informal matter, I simply am going to ask for some support. I think if we all do something small it will make a difference, write a better comment, write more comments, read a piece twice, whatever it takes to make a difference.

Sincerely,
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14082149/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14082149/ Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:05:49 PDT
First, I am want to thank you all for your supportive comments during my final exam period. It really was nice to have people say some nice things to me, especially since I have hardly known any of you for a week (with some lovely exceptions). It has been a great help, so thanks once again.

Second, yes I have another poem in the works. Believe it or not, my return to writing seems to actually be legitimate, as I find my mind drifting to poetry when it should be on other things; like drugs orders or inventory. I actually am punctuating my Rx labels...seriously! This is shockingly exhilarating as it was only short months ago that I mourned the loss of my writing "career". I really feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my writing, other than simply clearing negative emotions.

I am exhausted, and I will be cutting this short as I have to work tomorrow (as always); but the weekend is almost here, and Friday night should be a night on which I post something new, as well as read as much poetry as I can. I have been talking about a revolution, but I don't know how much I can actually do on my own. Before I go, what do you all think of the idea of a group for such a purpose. There use to be a group called onewordatatime on devART that use to offer critiques, but they are long gone. Maybe something new is needed to replace them? What do you think? If this is something to be undertaken, in retrospect I cant do it alone...so, volunteers?

Take Care
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14067122/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14067122/ Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:59:23 PDT
I want to start off by restating my thoughts from last night on the value of commenting on poetry as a means of improving the art form. Paul Valéry once remarked that a work of art is never completed, only abandoned, and this is very true when it comes to poetry as it is very easy to change a word, or add a verse to a piece of poetry; especially when compared to many of the visual arts where changing a piece is more difficult. A good comment can turn a mediocre piece into a great one, as sometimes a different perspective can help a writer immensely. Also note that we grow by teaching each other; we are all equals here, and we all have a lot to teach and learn; so lets improve together!

Personally I am quite happy of the date. In 22 hours my paper will have been submitted and forgotten about, and I will start my 3 week summer vacation. I have picked a busy time to come back to writing, as I haven't had hardly a chance to enjoy it since I found my muse. I am hoping for a productive weekend off, as I will be able to dedicate 24 hours straight to nothing but poetry. I hope to have some completed work, as well as a chance to read some more great poetry on devART.

Tomorrow (in seven hours, ) should be a pretty good day at work. I have to get the order for the seniors home preped and sent down, but other then that my day should be slow, and I hope to find time for some proofing of my afore mentioned paper.

Take Care,
-gh

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14050842/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14050842/ Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:28:58 PDT
Only three days until my favourite day of the biweekly schedule...PAY DAY! Every second Thursday I look up from a mountain of prescription (Rx) orders to find a reward for the fruits of my labours, a lovely cheque! The best part is that living at home for the summer means my expenses are nil, except for gas...which they are practically giving away. I hate gas companies, they agitate me. If pharmaceutical companies were to overcharge we would be ridiculed, and people would riot in the streets, but the oil industry gets off scott free.

My exam was brutal! The essays were ridiculous, and I find it hard to fathom how the topics were conceived. One question asked "Which character do you think would survive the longest time on a desert island?"...well, they are all kids, and this is not Lord of the Flies so neither would live that long in reality.

I am annoyed with that; and am utterly turned from English as a educational subject. I love free English, the type of self expression that poetry provides, but not graded poetry. How can you give an essay 80%? It is 80% what exactly? I am quitting English in school for good, instead I will focus my education purely on pharmaceutical science, and I will expend my artistic energies through poetry.

I am finding myself drinking regularly the past couple weeks, a beer or two before bed most nights. I don't know if this a bad thing or not, but it is a sedative, and I have been sleeping much better as of late. I guess if my liver can handle it, it should be okay.

On a serious note, it seems to be poetry on devART is becoming a dead art form. I know the site focuses on visual arts, which is fine, but as poets we must work together to improve our form. I encourage everyone to click the "Advanced Critique" button when they submit, and to try to give something more to each piece you read than "Nice Job". A little from everyone will improve our craft a large amount.

And no, no one died today because of me being overtired...not that I know of anyway.

Take Care,
gh

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Listening to: Elvis Costello - Accidents Will Happen
via FoxyTunes

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14035495/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14035495/ Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:01:05 PDT
I am a bit stressed about my two finals coming up this week. I have an English final tomorrow night (7-9:30 pm) and an ethic paper due Wednesday at midnight. The English worries me only because I want to get an A on the final to maintain my GPA...the ethics paper is simply something I have to complete. I am not really in the mood to write about the existence of moral facts in lieu of new technology. It seems my desire to write poetry, along with the ability has come back at the most inappropriate time. Here I am at 2:24 writing a journal when I have to be at work 9 tomorrow morning. This is so irresponsible, but to be honest I love it. To be back in art after two years is refreshing...and in only another month I will be back at the books, working hard to become a pharmacist. I swear, my labels will be the only ones in the form of a Haiku.

I have a couple ideas for poems in mind; and some half written things lying around. I am looking for some more forms to try, I loved the Epistle (and will definitely be trying it again); but any other form suggestions would be great!

Well, I should go to bed. I really wouldn't want to kill anyone tomorrow on account of being tired.

Cheers,
-gh



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Listening to: Jimi Hendrix - Wake Up This Morning And Find Yourself Dead
via FoxyTunes

]]> ~ghbatt http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14021694/ http://ghbatt.deviantart.com/journal/14021694/ Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:36:33 PDT
Well it is official, I only have eleven days left of being a teenager. I know it is probably no big deal, but I am really thinking a lot about it. Have I really spent twenty years on this planet? It seems like I have only woken up in the morning, but the papers in my wallet say August 16, 1987.

But enough of that, I would rather suffer my "quarter" life crisis alone rather than online. I am quite happy to be writing again. I read an article which talked about the danger of seeking creative perfection as the sole goal of writing. It went on to say how we should just write, and not worry about the consequences; which I know sounds simple, but it is not how I have done it. If I wasn't happy with something I would generally give it up, and that led to more frustration than I could handle, and my writing would be put on hiatus. I am going to try to keep an open mind, and while I won't be submitting everything (no one wants to read that much crap, ) I am going to write crap, and I will probably post a good deal of it too (this can be seen as a disclaimer). Perfection is the goal, but other stops may be made along the way.

I have had the weekend off, which is really something I needed. I worked the previous month without a day off, and I was beginning to get burned out; which is not good when you are around medication all day (that just sounds wrong). The pharmacy is a busy place, and it has been torture to rush so much the past couple weeks, but I think this rest will prepare me to face the push to get in all the hours I can before I go back to school in a month from today.

Take Care,
-gh

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Listening to: The Who - However Much I Booze
via FoxyTunes

]]> ~ghbatt